Landing a job that pays what you’re worth in today’s marketplace is a multi-step process. It could take days, perhaps weeks (or longer). Be patient and put in the effort that’s required. There are no shortcuts!  After you pinpoint a handful of job openings you’re qualified for, and then create an attention-getting resume and cover letter to submit to the potential employers, hopefully you’ll be invited to participate in one or more job interviews.

Depending on the position you’re applying for, your interview might be conducted in-person, over the telephone or as part of a group. You should also be prepared for several people to interview you. Regardless of the job interview setting, there are specific things you can do to properly prepare for the interview, and then thoroughly impress the interviewer with your personality, skills and overall qualifications. Acing a job interview is typically an essential requirement for landing a job.


SOME TOPICS SHOULD NOT BE DISCUSSED  

During your job interviews, there are certain topics - such as your recent divorce, or the fact that you’re now raising your children or teens as a single parent - that should be avoided, at least initially. Providing too much personal information about yourself, especially details that don’t directly relate to your ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the job you’re applying for, could jeopardize your chances of getting hired.
 
“As difficult as it may be, be sure to separate the personal from the professional when interviewing for a new job. Your feelings of anger and insecurity are understandable, but the fact remains that potential employers really don’t want to hear about your personal challenges.  Instead, keep your personal life personal, and focus on impressing the potential employer by emphasizing the contributions you can make to the future success of their organization,” explained Nancy Collamer, career coach, founder of www.jobsandmoms.com, and creator of "The Back-to-Work-Toolkit: A Guide for Comeback Moms (www.backtoworktoolkit.com)."      

Also, if you’re returning to work after an extended absence, you’ll potentially face other challenges. You’ll need to account for the large time gaps between jobs listed within your resume (the time you spent at home raising your kids or being a homemaker, for example). Plus, if you’re now a single parent, and the employer learns you have young kids or teens, you’ll need to assure the interviewer(s) in no uncertain terms that your parental responsibilities will not jeopardize your ability to meet or exceed the requirements of the position you’re applying for.       

“When asked about your decision to stay home with your children, be upbeat and positive. Use phrases like ‘I elected’ or ‘I chose’ to emphasize that your decision to stay home was planned and deliberate, not just a default position. Explain that you feel fortunate to have been able to be home with your children while they were young; emphasize that you have gained valuable skills during this time period; and then quickly steer the focus of the discussion back to your interest in the job,” stated Collamer.       

During your interviews, never get defensive about your past. “Whatever you do, never apologize for your decision to stay home or make excuses about why you didn’t return to work earlier.  If you feel good about the choice you made, the interviewer will appreciate your comfort and conviction.  Employers want to hire people with positive attitudes who demonstrate confidence in their choices,” added Collamer.    

And now for some good news! In today’s job market, more and more employers have become family-friendly and understand the unique needs of a single parent in terms of how you’ll juggle your personal and professional responsibilities. Your first goal should be to pinpoint these potential employers as you seek out job opportunities to apply for. "Working Mother" magazine (www.workingmother.com), for example, publishes an annual list of the top 100 family-friendly employers in America.       

For someone who is returning to work after an extended absence, instead of focusing on your employment history within your resume and cover letter(s), as well as during your job interview(s), focus specifically on your skills and qualifications. Any experiences that have allowed you to develop and hone your skills (as they relate to the job you’re applying for) should be highlighted for potential employers, including volunteer work, part-time jobs, past employment, internships and other life experiences you’ve had.